The next morning, Ivan was alone in his chambers. The light filtering through the windows was soft, but his mood wasn't. After a while, he decided to take a walk. He didn't call for help. He didn't like people fussing over him. He just needed to move. Despite still being in pain
.
As he stepped into the hallway, the guards straightened and bowed quickly, their eyes full of fear. The maids walking past him held their breath and bowed their heads until he passed. No one dared speak. He said nothing either. He was used to it. The Hate. The Fear. The way they all avoided him.
He walked slowly, his steps heavy. Without much thought, he found himself standing at the door to the library. He pushed it open and stepped inside. It was quiet. Dust floated in the sunbeams. He liked the stillness here.
